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There could be delays and disruptions in Cork as Christmas approaches with Bus Eireann set to vote on striking this week.

Over 340 National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) members in Cork will decide on industrial action in response to a local spokesperson being suspended after speaking out when one of their members was "threatened to rape" last month.

Last October, it was reported that a gang of youths made a number of vile threats to a female bus driver after she challenged them about paying their fare.

Following the incident, the spokesperson - who has worked for Bus Eireann for over 40 years - appeared on The Neil Prendeville Show in support of the driver. Their appearance on the show saw them receive a severe warning from the company and be suspended from work for two days without pay.

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General Secretary of the NBRU Dermot O'Leary came on the same show on Tuesday morning to talk about the decision to ballot in support of their colleague.

Mr O'Leary said: "I'm not happy with the decision at all from Bus Eireann and neither are the members in Cork. Members across the Bus Eireann network are appalled by the treatment that was given out to the individual.

"There has been a lot of antisocial behaviour across Bus Eireann and other bus services and as far as we are concerned it has reached epidemic proportions."

The reaction of Bus Eireann to the incident - in particular the suspension of the driver - has been cited as a major case for industrial action.

Mr O'Leary added: "The reaction of the people in Cork in particular is the demand of an industrial ballot over what they see as a complete breakdown of relationships themselves and local management.

"Our colleague came on a few days later to explain what happened and now he finds himself at the end of a very gutless management team who hide behind processes and procedures."

The ballot will take place in Cork on Thursday, with action scheduled to take place through the month of December.